Ron was practicing a complex rune carving in the laboratory when the Tri-Element Communication Crystal on the corner of the table suddenly lit up with a blue glow.
The weathered face of Hayek appeared on the crystal’s surface.
However, the old man’s expression seemed much more relaxed than when they parted ways in the Black Mist Jungle.
"Ron." Hayek’s voice remained steady, but it lacked the fatigue of enduring long-term pressure:
"Cassandra Tower Master has summoned all the heads of the Marginal School, requesting us to come to the Central Lands for... resource reallocation."
He paused briefly, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes:
"They call it a work report, but it’s more like a comprehensive personnel clearance. She wants to ensure everyone can play their part in the conquest agenda."
Ron put down his carving knife, activated the ’Hermit’s Knowledge’ to observe Hayek’s micro-expressions.
Although the old man appeared calm, his taut jaw and slightly contracted pupils revealed inner tension.
Clearly, the nature of this summons was much more severe than it seemed.
"What’s your arrangement?"
"A few of us old folks want to meet you." Hayek’s tone became somewhat cautious:
"’Whirlpool Tavern,’ tonight at ten. The private rooms there offer ample privacy protection."
"Of course, I also wish to meet the Masters."
After the communication ended, Ron stared at the gradually dimming crystal, quickly analyzing the deeper meaning behind this arrangement in his mind.
Cassandra chose this moment to re-integrate the human resources of the Marginal School, clearly preparing for the upcoming major adjustments.
.........
The ’Whirlpool Tavern’ was built on a giant floating rock, the whole structure slowly rotating, creating a dizzying visual effect.
The tavern’s outer walls were made of living crystals that changed color based on the emotional fluctuations of its internal guests.
As he pushed open the heavy wooden door, Ron immediately felt the unique atmosphere here.
The walls were inlaid with soundproofing runes from over a dozen different planes, and the air was filled with a subtle magic fluctuation that could interfere with most eavesdropping spells.
This was clearly the preferred venue for sensitive conversations among the Wizards of the Central Lands.
"Your friends are waiting in the ’Silence Hall.’
A waiter with eyes replaced by some kind of silver metal respectfully guided Ron through the intricate corridors.
Opening the door to the private room, familiar faces came into view.
Hayek sat at the head of the round table, although he looked considerably older, the sense of relief from unloading burdens was evident in his eyes.
Yuni sat beside him, her purple long hair had regained its luster, and the dark marks from Spiritual Contamination had almost completely vanished.
Clearly, after leaving the hazardous environment of the Black Mist Jungle and receiving additional ’Favor,’ her not-too-severe contamination symptoms had greatly alleviated.
Magnus stroked his white beard, maintaining his signature serious expression, but when he looked at Ron, a hint of gratification flickered in his eyes.
The most surprising to Ron was Holt, sitting in the corner.
Once the chief of the Black Mist School, he had now successfully crossed the great chasm, but clearly had not fully adapted to the newfound power.
Just now, when he tried to pick up the wine glass, the magic he unconsciously emitted shattered the crystal stem, splashing red wine across the table.
"Damn it..."
Holt frowned, a bit helplessly looking at his hand:
"In the Black Mist Jungle, I fantasized countless times about the feeling of becoming an official Wizard. Now that I’ve really advanced, I find that even picking up a glass is a problem."
This awkwardness formed a stark contrast with Ron sitting opposite.
Though younger in age, his magic fluctuations were unfathomable yet completely contained, showcasing impressive control.
"Magic adaptation takes time."
Ron casually carved a stabilizing rune on the tabletop:
"This will help you temporarily control the leakage of magic. Remember, spiritual power should control each thread of magic like controlling a finger’s movement."
As soon as the rune took effect, the chaotic energy fluctuations around Holt immediately calmed down.
"Thank you." Holt’s voice carried a barely detectable bitterness:
"No matter when, you always come up with the most practical solutions."
"You’re too kind." Ron replied faintly, then looked at Hayek:
"Senior Hayek, can you elaborate on the outcome of this ’resource allocation’?"
Hayek took a sip from his wine glass, looking at Ron:
"Almost all of us from the original Black Mist School team have been reassigned to the ’Quicksand Lands.’
"Quicksand Lands?" Ron was slightly surprised, this arrangement indeed exceeded his expectations.
It was a rich but harsh extraordinary gathering place, far better than the Black Mist Jungle, but definitely not an ideal destination.
"Yes, we will be joining the ’Sand Sea School’ there." Yuni’s voice carried a strange sense of relief:
"Although the environment is still harsh, at least we don’t have to worry about Abyss leaks daily anymore. Also, its stable magic concentration is suitable for long-term scholarly research."
Magnus added, "The Sand Sea School focuses on element control and environmental modification, matching well with our accumulated experience from the Black Mist Jungle. However..."
He glanced at the others: "We all know, obtaining such an arrangement is probably not solely due to professional alignment."
Everyone’s gaze turned to Ron.